BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS is a witty, colorful satire with a traditional moral perspective underneath its decadent parties and irreverent humor. Stephen Fry does a good job adapting and directing Evelyn Waugh’s novel, and the film eventually exposes the emptiness of a lifestyle built on pleasure, money, and instant gratification.

That moral seriousness is partly spoiled by sexual immorality, politically correct homosexual elements, light foul language, cocaine use, drunkenness, gambling, and behavior the film does not always explicitly rebuke. The story’s movement toward love, responsibility, and moral awakening gives the film real merit, but its content makes it unsuitable for children and young teens.

If you are a discerning adult who can engage its satire without being drawn into its immorality, it is worth watching; for a family movie night, choose something else.

In early-1930s England, the wealthy young “Bright Young People” spend their lives attending wild parties while appearing to have no cares. Adam Fenwick-Simes, a struggling writer among them, is trying to earn enough money to marry his girlfriend, Nina.

His finances rise and fall, repeatedly changing their marriage plans. As Adam is drawn deeper into the group’s world, he must confront what this glittering lifestyle is really worth.

Three stars means a good but imperfect film. BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS opens with a colorful, decadent party and the raucous strains of Benny Goodman’s “Sing Sing Sing.” Its silly characters, wry dialogue, piercing wit, and irreverent satire reflect the strengths associated with Evelyn Waugh’s writing.

Stephen Fry’s adaptation and direction work well, though fans of the novel may miss some important colorful details. The film’s moral perspective also gives its comedy substance, particularly when Adam recognizes the emptiness of the group’s lifestyle.

BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS reflects Evelyn Waugh’s traditional moral perspective. It satirizes wealthy young people who live for wild parties, as well as older elites and Christian leaders who comfortably associate with them. The film ultimately values love over money and instant gratification, and Adam’s moral awakening echoes a condemnation of the sinful young people and elite.

The worldview is weakened by minor politically correct homosexual elements and other immoral behavior. Some sexual immorality is not explicitly rebuked, while cocaine use, drunkenness, gambling, gossip, lying, and deceit fill the social world being portrayed. The film’s positive Christian content is therefore mixed with behavior and attitudes that require discernment.

At its center, the story asks whether life is found in wealth, pleasure, and social status or in love and moral responsibility. Scripture gives the answer plainly: “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS offers sharp satire, colorful filmmaking, and a meaningful moral awakening. But its R-rated content and unrebuked immorality make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For family viewing, choose another title.